July 20, 2016

Joined by state legislators and other officials on Thursday,
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, D-R.I., ceremonially signed into law several bills meant
to advance renewable energy in Rhode Island. Furthermore, the governor and
SolarCity announced that the rooftop solar company will be expanding its
operations in the state.

According to a press release from the General Assembly, one of the
bills was H.7413A/S.2185A, which extends the state’s renewable portfolio
standard (RPS) from 14.5% by 2019 to 40% by 2035. State lawmakers approved the bill in late June, and the governor
technically signed it shortly afterwards.

The release says other legislation ceremonially signed at
Thursday’s event included a bill that extends the state’s renewable energy
fund, enhances the Renewable Energy Growth program, expands virtual net
metering, and offers third-party financing for homeowners and businesses; a
bill that incorporates clean energy into the areas of focus of the Governor’s
Workforce Board; and a bill that establishes a statewide solar permit process.

“This legislation reflects forward-thinking energy policies
that will help us meet our state energy goals,” said Raimondo. “With its
passage, we can continue to create jobs, connect Rhode Islanders with more
cost-effective energy options and reduce our carbon footprint.”

According to the release, SolarCity said its planned
expansion in Rhode Island is, in large part, due to the work of the General
Assembly and the governor to build the clean energy economy – particularly the
state’s efforts to expand net metering and allow residents to install solar
through a lease or power purchase agreement – as well as the governor’s recent
meeting with SolarCity in California.